NEWS

POPPIES TO TRAVEL TO SIX NEW LOCATIONS ACROSS UK IN 2017

14-18 NOW today announced the six venues chosen to host the iconic poppy sculptures Wave and Weeping Window by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper in 2017. The new presentations by 14-18 NOW will give people across the UK the chance to experience the impact of the ceramic poppy sculptures in a range of places of particular First World War resonance. The six venues are:

- The National Assembly Building Y Senedd, CardiffWeeping Window, 5 August to 24 September 2017

- Ulster Museum, BelfastWeeping Window, 14 October – 3 December 2017

14-18 NOW are delighted to announce that the artwork will be presented in Stoke-on-Trent in 2018 as part of the final year of the tour. Stoke-on-Trent has a special relationship to the ceramic poppies, where many of them were made.

Over 1.5 million people have visited the poppies since the start of the UK presentations in 2015. The poppies are a highlight of 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War Centenary. 14-18 NOW have commissioned 146 artworks in 160 locations across the UK, with over 30 million people experiencing a commission to date. The organisation co-commissioned the popular Dazzle Ships in London, Liverpool and Edinburgh, which have been seen by 13 million people. To mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme they commissioned Jeremy Deller’s ‘silent soldiers’ modern memorial ‘we’re here because we’re here’, experienced live by 2 million people and by millions more via social media.

Jenny Waldman, Director of 14-18 NOW, said:

“The poppies have captivated millions of people across the UK, and we are delighted to present them in more locations in 2017, including taking them to Northern Ireland for the first time. Paul Cummins and Tom Piper have created two enormously powerful artworks of national significance that continue to inspire all who see them. We are also very grateful to the Backstage Trust, Clore Duffield Foundation, The Foyle Foundation, Heritage Lottery Fund and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for their continued support, and to our transport sponsor DAF Trucks.”

Karen Bradley, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said:

“It’s been fantastic to see how these beautiful poppies have captured the imagination of the country as part of the commemorations for the First World War centenary. I’m delighted that the poppies will continue their tour across the country so even more people can enjoy these moving works of art.”

Wave and Weeping Window are from the installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red – poppies and original concept by artist Paul Cummins and installation designed by Tom Piper – by Paul Cummins Ceramics Limited in conjunction with Historic Royal Palaces. The installation was originally at HM Tower of London from August to November 2014 where 888,246 poppies were displayed, one to honour every death in the British and Colonial forces of the First World War.

The two poppy sculptures being presented across the UK, together totaling over 10,000 poppies, have been saved for the nation by the Backstage Trust and the Clore Duffield Foundation, and gifted to 14-18 NOW and Imperial War Museums. Financial support for the presentations has been received from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and fundraising for the presentations is ongoing.

DAF Trucks are the transport sponsor for the UK presentations, and 14-18 NOW are delighted to partner with DAF on making this historic project a reality. The learning and engagement programme for the poppies tour is supported by the Foyle Foundation.